Residents of Wasagu community in Kebbi State have raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity after armed bandits allegedly killed an elderly farmer and abducted another in separate attacks that occurred within 24 hours.
The latest attack happened on Tuesday evening when suspected bandits reportedly opened fire on an elderly farmer while he was working on his farmland.
According to local sources, the victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Wasagu, where doctors confirmed him dead shortly after arrival.
The incident came just a day after another farmer was reportedly kidnapped by armed bandits while working on a farm near Wasagu town on Monday.
Fresh Attacks Deepen Fear Among Farmers
The back-to-back attacks have heightened fear across the community, with residents saying farming has become increasingly dangerous due to the constant threat posed by armed groups operating around farmlands and nearby villages.
Many residents noted that the attacks are occurring during the peak farming season, leaving several farmers afraid to cultivate their land despite depending on agriculture as their primary source of income.
The renewed violence has also sparked concerns over food production in the area, as many fear that continued insecurity could discourage farming activities and affect livelihoods.
Residents Question Delayed Security Promises
Community members expressed disappointment over what they described as the slow implementation of security measures previously promised by the Kebbi State Government.
They recalled that following earlier attacks in the area, a high-powered government delegation led by the Deputy Governor visited Wasagu and assured residents that additional security personnel would be deployed.
Among the promises made were the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and the establishment of a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wasagu to strengthen security operations and protect residents.
However, locals claimed that those commitments have yet to be fulfilled, alleging that killings and kidnappings have continued without significant improvement in security.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
Residents also lamented what they described as the limited response from many elected officials, adding that Senator Garba Musa Maidoki has remained one of the few public office holders who has consistently spoken about the security challenges facing Kebbi South.
The community has now appealed to both the Kebbi State Government and the Federal Government to urgently reinforce security across the area, fulfil earlier promises, and take decisive action against the growing activities of bandits.
